Reserves League Round-Up This Week

Last updated : 30 April 2008 By Thetashkentterror
Simon Grand
With nine games played this week it's a question of where do you start really, so we'll begin with Morecambe who completed a remarkable league and cup double on Monday night. The Shrimps, having already won the league, defeating West Brom 4-3 on penalties, after a 1-1 draw over 90 minutes, in the League Cup final at Christie Park.

Lateef Elford-Alliyu opening the scoring as early as the second minute for the Baggies before Simon Grand levelled matters just after the hour-mark, and with no extra-time the final went to spot-kicks. Grand was unable to take a penalty though after being red-carded in injury time but goalkeeper Shwan Jalal was the Shrimps hero as he saved twice in the shootout to seal Morecambe's double triumph.

The Shrimps then back in league action on Wednesday night when they won again, this time 2-1 away to Blackpool in a match played at Highbury, the home of Fleetwood Town FC. Simon Wiles putting the Seasiders 1-0 up before goals from Jon Newby and Aaron Taylor completed a turnaround for the visitors as they sealed another three points.

Morecambe now awaiting the League Play-Offs draw where they will face one of the other regional division winners, in Nottingham Forest or Hartlepool United, or the second best placed team across the three divisions, that crown currently going to Manchester City, ahead of Port Vale and Sheffield Wednesday, who are the only two clubs capable of catching them.

Speaking of the Citizens, they played a double-header against Wrexham this week and won 9-3 on aggregate. The first game on Monday, at Wrexham, but played at Globe Way, Buckley Town FC, seeing City triumph 3-0 thanks to goals from Abdi Ibrahim in the first-half, then Jack Redshaw and James Poole after the break.

The Mancunians then making sure of runners-up spot in the table with an action packed 6-3 home win on Wednesday at Hyde United's ground Ewen Fields. Two City players will have been fighting for the match ball after both David Ball and Robbie Mak grabbed hat-tricks, with the Wrexham goals coming courtesy of a Simon Spender brace and a single strike from Mark Head.

Bury were another side playing two games this week, both at "home" at Radcliffe Borough's Inn2gether Stadium. As usual there is no mention of the Shakers goalscorers on their dire official site, but for the record they drew 2-2 with Chester on Monday, the City goals coming from Lloyd Ellams and James Gregory, and then defeated Preston 2-0 on Wednesday night.

Chester's point on Monday was as good as it got for them this week though as they were hammered 7-1 at home to Rochdale on Wednesday afternoon. 'Dale's goals being scored by Chris Dagnall with a hat-trick, Will Buckley with a brace and single strikes from Chris Basham and Joe Thompson. The solitary City goal, while the score was 3-0, being netted by Andy Mitchell.

Last but not least Tranmere finished their season with a flourish after winning 1-0 at Accrington Stanley, thanks to a 55th minute shot from Josh Macauley. As we already know Carlisle drew 1-1 at home to Burnley last night, the United goal being scored by trialist Chris Fagan. The Blues now certain to finish third in the table whatever the result of their final game of the season, at home to Bury next Monday afternoon in a 2pm kick-off at Brunton Park.


Results in the division this week, all Wednesday at 7pm unless stated :

Bury 2-2 Chester (Mon, 2pm)
Wrexham 0-3 Manchester City (Mon, 7pm)

Accrington Stanley 0-1 Tranmere
Blackpool 1-2 Morecambe
Bury 2-0 Preston North End
Carlisle United 1-1 Burnley
Chester 1-7 Rochdale (2pm)
Manchester City 6-3 Wrexham

Pontin's Holiday League Cup Final :

Morecambe 1-1 West Bromwich Albion (Mon, 7.30pm), Morecambe won 4-3 on penalties, no extra-time


Fixtures in the division next week :

Carlisle United v Bury (Mon, 2pm)

Bury v Manchester City (Tue, 7pm)

Rochdale v Blackpool (Wed, 2pm)


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Reserve Team Table : Click here